On Second Opinion

A little over a year ago, my mom got admitted to a nearby hospital in our province. Her chief complaints include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Since our province is a bit backward when it comes to technology and equipment, diagnosing her lasted a week. The medications the doctor was giving her as well as the painkillers she was taking didn’t relieve her in any way. My sister, who happened to be the one looking after my mom when she was in the hospital, was perplexed with what the doctors are giving her as well as the explanation with regards to my moms condition. But good thing my uncle/dad’s brother was the main attending physician of my mom but she was then referred to a gastroenterologist which I personally don’t like.

Mom was hospitalized for a week just for observation and diagnostics, which includes, blood tests, x-rays, CT scan and colonoscopy. The results? Normal and non-significant except for one blood test the CA (cancer) marker, which was relatively high. They rely mainly on one blood test that the next medical management they would consider for my mom to undergo chemotherapy!

She was discharged and wasn’t given any medication except for painkillers that doesn’t relive her in any way. I told her to seek second opinion here in Manila for her peace of mind. She was then referred to a gastroenterologist who is affiliated to UST and St.Luke’s Hospital. My aunt and uncle contacted the doctor and made arrangements for her procedure.

Mom underwent EUS or echo endoscopy, which is only available in ST. Luke’s Hospital in Global City. The procedure is an out patient department procedure and took only an hour with all the preparation (sedation and recovery) as well as the release of the official results. Findings? Mom has lumps in several areas of the duodenum but it was due to her allergy. The doctor’s recommendation was to see an allergologist and her medication only included steroids.

Just imagine if mom didn’t seek second opinion I guess by now she would undergo a dreadful procedure and several chemotherapy sessions already. Buti na lang tigas ulo ng nanay ko minsan! But honestly, I didn’t like the way mom was treated by her her former gastroenterologist because instead of guiding her on how to describe her abdominal pain (which she could hardly describe), the doctor made a sarcastic comment, “hindi ko maintindihan pinagsasbi mo, ayusin mo nga!” If I was there, makakatikim siya sakin! Health care professionals should be empathic to patients after all our licenses are at stake.

Mom spent roughly about 70k for her one-week hospitalization with no good results but she only spent 18k for her EUS here in Manila. What a total waste of money because of poor assessment and management.